All you need is some creativity to make some cute activities for your toddler to enjoy. Your older child can also play more sophisticated paper games such as Tic-Tac-Toe or Hangman.

Halves

This is a cooperative activity. Older children may wish to try creating animals and other creatures, too. You can adapt this activity for three or four players by simply folding the paper into that many sections.

• Fold the sheet of paper in half.

• Each player draws half of a person on half of the paper, without seeing the other half.

• One player draws a head, neck, and arms. Lines must extend a tiny bit below the fold so that the second player can see where to pick up.

• The second player turns the paper over and draws the torso, legs, and feet.

• Unfold the paper to reveal your work!

The Clown Says

This is a simple game that you can create that will help your child with following directions and motor development.

• Make a small hole in the center of the paper plate.

• Cut a small arrow out of the poster board, and make a small hole in the center. Use the brad to fasten the arrow to the plate. Leave it loose enough to spin freely.

• Use the markers to draw a clown onto the plate; incorporate the spinner as one of his arms. (If your artistic skills are lacking, you can just call the game Stick Man Says.)

• Divide the plate like a pie into four or six sections. In each section, either draw or glue on a picture that depicts a movement. For example, a picture of two hands could mean clapping.

• Have your child spin the spinner, then act out the movement that the clown is pointing to. You may need to assist the younger child.

• Consider taking a few turns yourself. Perhaps let your child spin the wheel for you.